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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows
Published: 2008-07-29
Hardcover: 288 pages
- 128 members reading this now
- 51 clubs reading this now
- 0 members told 0 friends about this book.
- 57 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs
by 113 of 117 members.
by 113 of 117 members.
“ I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine...
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Introduction
“ I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.
Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.
Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.
Excerpt
Part One
8th January, 1946
Mr. Sidney Stark, Publisher
Stephens & Stark Ltd.
21 St. James's Place
London S.W.1
England
Dear Sidney,
Susan Scott is a wonder. We sold over forty copies of the book, which was very pleasant, but much more thrilling from my standpoint was the food. Susan managed to procure ration coupons for icing sugar and real eggs for the meringue. If all her literary luncheons are going to achieve these heights, I won't mind touring about the country. Do you suppose that a lavish bonus could spur her on to butter? Let's try it—you may deduct the money from my royalties.
...
view entire excerpt...
Discussion Questions
1. What was it like to read a novel composed entirely of letters? What do letters offer that no other form of writing (not even emails) can convey?
2. What makes Sidney and Sophie ideal friends for Juliet? What common ground do they share? Who has been a similar advocate in your life?
3. Dawsey first wrote to Juliet because books, on Charles Lamb or otherwise, were so difficult to obtain on Guernsey in the aftermath of the war. What differences did you note between bookselling in the novel and bookselling in your world? What makes book lovers unique, across all generations?
4. What were your first impressions of Dawsey? How was he different from the other men Juliet had known?
5. Discuss the poets, novelists, biographers, and other writers who capture the hearts of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. What does a reader’s taste in books say about his or her personality? Whose lives were changed the most by membership in the society?
6. Juliet occasionally receives mean-spirited correspondence from strangers, accusing both Elizabeth and Juliet of being immoral. What accounts for their judgmental ways?
7. In what ways were Juliet and Elizabeth kindred spirits? What did Elizabeth’s spontaneous invention of the society, as well as her brave final act, say about her approach to life?
8. Numerous Guernsey residents give Juliet access to their private memories of the occupation. Which voices were most memorable for you? What was the effect of reading a variety of responses to a shared tragedy?
9. Kit and Juliet complete each other in many ways. What did they need from each other? What qualities make Juliet an unconventional, excellent mother?
10. How did Remy’s presence enhance the lives of those on Guernsey? Through her survival, what recollections, hopes, and lessons also survived?
11. Juliet rejects marriage proposals from a man who is a stereotypical “great catch.” How would you have handled Juliet’s romantic entanglement? What truly makes someone a “great catch”?
12. What was the effect of reading a novel about an author’s experiences with writing, editing, and getting published? Did this enhance the book’s realism, though Juliet’s experience is a bit different from that of debut novelist Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece, children’s book author Annie Barrows?
13. What historical facts about life in England during World War II were you especially surprised to discover? What traits, such as remarkable stamina, are captured in a detail such as potato peel pie? In what ways does fiction provide a means for more fully understanding a non-fiction truth?
14. Which of the members of the Society is your favorite? Whose literary opinions are most like your own?
15. Do you agree with Isola that “reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones”?
Suggested by Members
Have you ever received a letter (not an email!) that gave as much information as these letters?
Ask if anyone remembers party telephone lines or twice a day mail delivery -- yes, they existed!.
Are Americans really as unscathed by war as implied in the book?
by mistyviolet (see profile) 05/16/09Who do you know that the characters remind you of?
What a great sense of humor yet such caring for the child by so many.
Can you think of any town you've lived in that would be this open to a stranger?
by julnelms (see profile) 05/26/09Another member of our book club asked the rest of us if we were in that situation, would we have sent our children to the country for safety or keep them with us?
by red99lucy (see profile) 06/23/09IN THE DAY AND AGE OF ON LINE BOOKSELLERS COULD THIS BOOK BE POSSIBLE:THE BOOKSTORE IN QUESTION HAS CLOSED.
by innismor (see profile) 07/20/09One of our members brought up parallels to Pride and Prejudice - what do you think?
by ssanborn (see profile) 07/25/09there is a reading guide in the edition i got, i can't add much to it.
by susanbeamon (see profile) 08/01/09Be sure to use the reading guide for help in your discussion. It is easy to get off topic without it.
by tbushman (see profile) 08/03/09The book dealt primarily with relationships between people. Considering how the book club started, how did the people in the book club change in their relationship to each other and also their idea of self?
Stressfull situations bring out the best and the worst in people. Talk about those incidents where stress brought out the worst and the best in people and relate that back to incidents in your own lives.
How did you initially respond to a book written in the form of letters back and forth?? Was it harder to 'get into' and follow the individuals right away, or did you fall right into the story?
by joleen (see profile) 08/03/09how often do people write letters anymore and how very personal they are
by annick (see profile) 09/08/09
Book Club Recommendations
Recommended to book clubs by 113 of 117 members.
Potato peel pie can be pretty good.
by mistyviolet (see profile) 05/16/09Beat 2 egg whites until soft peaks form, fold in 2 cups grated and well drained potato peel(about 3 large potatoes). Add 1 teaspoon of dill weed. Press into greased pie plate leaving a deep impression in the middle. Bake at 400 for 25 minutes. Meanwhile boil the potatoes and one or two carrots or beets until soft in a small amount (1 cup or less) of salted water(sea water?). Mash well without draining adding 3 tablespoons sour cream and more dill and garlic if you have it. Mound in cooked pie shell, bake an additional 10 minutes. Top with a small handful of grated cheese. Can be served hot or cold.
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
by twothirty8 (see profile) 05/18/09A wonderful debut. Barry is great at capturing the feel of small town life, and intertwines action with unique characters. Readers will be captivated all the way through.
AN OLDIE BUT A GLORIOUS AND TRUE STORY, IN ESPISTLE FORM, THAT IS ALL ABOUT BOOKS AND A LOVELY FRIENDSHIP THAT SPRINGS UP BETWEEN AN ENGLISH BOOKSELLER AND A NYCITY WRITER IN SEACH OF TREASURED AND COVETED TOMES. AN ALL TIME PERSONAL FAVORITE AND A GREAT GIFT FOR ANY BOOK LOVER YOU KNOW!
Think about serving Annie Barrows' potato peel pie - though you might want to modify it!
by ssanborn (see profile) 07/25/09Potato Peel Pie Recipe
Here’s a recipe for a potato peel pie, but I warn you, it tastes like paste. The more authentic it is, the nastier. These ingredients will make a very small pie (expand at will):
1 potato
1 beet
1 Tablespoon milk
Peel the potato and put the peelings in a pie pan. Don’t cook the peels, because you’re in the middle of an Occupation and you don’t have any fuel. Boil the potato and the beet together in salty water, but not for very long, due to the fuel problem. Just until you can stick a fork in the potato. Take them out and mash them up with the milk. Pour the glop in the pie pan. Bake at 375 for as short a time as is consonant with digestion (fuel again), say, fifteen minutes.
The finished product will look quite attractive and pink. If you squint, you can almost imagine raspberries. Don’t be fooled. It looks a lot better than it is. However, if you forgot that you were in the middle of WWII and added a bunch of butter and milk and salt, it could be quite tasty.
On-line
by joleen (see profile) 08/03/09Check out some information on-line regarding this book. If you dig far enough you CAN find the recipe for Potato peel pie. :-) Background information in regards to the war, and the island of Guernsey, although not required is helpful. But the authors did an excellent job of detailing what information we as readers needed to know.
Food
by gaile13 (see profile) 08/16/09If you serve food, I would recommend avoiding the potato peel pie idea! The website gives an imaginary one that sounds horrid as I am sure it would be if someone were actually to try to invent one.
Potato Peel Pie
by rocheca (see profile) 08/16/09I found a recipe online and made it for our group. It was a tasty success and made for great discussion.
Don't try to make a potatoe peel pie!
by jmsblest (see profile) 09/02/09Since there was only one book available and each person had to discuss his or her book, perhaps the book club could end their meeting by each member talking about his or her favorite book.
What is Potato Peel Pie?
by maril (see profile) 11/08/09Perhaps someone could try to make it or maybe other 'war time" foods for the book club.....I am sure not tasty but maybe that is why my book group didn't try that approach
Member Reviews
Overall rating:
How would you rate this book? Member ratings:
"excellent book club choice"by ducci (see profile) 09/11/08
Everyone enjoyed this book and moved to the top of our favorites. Well written and authors have ability to draw you into the time as if you were really there along side the characters. would recommend... (read more)
"Great Book, light read and very enjoyable"by rodish (see profile) 11/14/08
I really enjoyed reading this book and would love to see many book clubs do the same. It was an enchanting love story, I could relate to the characters and believe who and what they were. It isn't too... (read more)
"A charming story rich in history and characters"by ahallowell (see profile) 11/19/08
How often do we have an opportunity to use the adjective "charming"? The talented authors were masterful in their story telling. The writing team was able to create a wonderful cast of memorable characters.... (read more)
"Sink into your favorite chair with a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy every word of this literary bonbon!"by rkarpinecz (see profile) 01/09/09
Though there are bittersweet moments, this is a delightful tale of ingenuity, resistance, and resilience as the people of Guernsey live through and survive the Nazi occupation. The authors obviously found... (read more)
"Rich with three dimensional characters that the reader cares about; paints a vivid picture of post-war Guernsey without long passages of text."by rbruno (see profile) 01/11/09
"Savored every word"by CarolynLeslie (see profile) 01/13/09
This book was so well-written, and such a pleasure to read that I didn't want it to end. Letters back and forth between story's main character and people on the island of Guernsey just after German occupation... (read more)
"What was WWII like for ordinary folks on an occupied little island in the English Channel?"by cherylc (see profile) 01/29/09
I'm in the middle of reading this book and find it delightful. I love the writing and I love feeling as if I am living the story along with the characters.
"It is about the aftermath of the German Occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II and in particular how it affected the lives of the people who lived on Guernsey Island. The islanders beg"by kathyp28 (see profile) 02/19/09
This is most definitely one of my all time favorite books. I would recommend it to all book clubs! Our book club had a very indepth discussion about the characters, their love of literature, the interaction... (read more)
"Everyone loved the book."by jmandala (see profile) 02/24/09
It is a charming story and was a great book for our discussion.
"A creatively written story of life in German occupied Guernsey during World War II"by ResedaBabe (see profile) 02/26/09
"Story of channel island occupied during WWII, told in letter format."by kfetzer (see profile) 03/11/09
Very enjoyable format; learned a lot of history with no "dryness". There were many delightful characters with a lot of stories.
"I loved the way the people came together and helped keep each other going during that horrible time."by litchjan (see profile) 03/12/09
"What a well crafted Story"by beckylord (see profile) 03/14/09
I loved this book. I learned much about the occupation of Guernsey which I did not know. I really grew to like the literary genre of letters--took a bit to get into it but it was really a wonderful way... (read more)
"Writer in 1946 goes to Channel Islands to learn about how they survived the war and makes friends with the natives."by AdrienneM (see profile) 03/14/09
very appealing book, The story is told entirely through letters and the characters reveal themselves in intimate detail. It gives a lot of historical detail about life during WWII. Interactions between... (read more)
"London writer goes to Guernsey after WW!! to research book about German occupation."by shirleydavid (see profile) 03/18/09
Everyone in the bookclub loved this book - a very uncommon event. Story is brought out through a series of letters that unravels the stories of the characters and brings to life the missing Elizabeth who... (read more)
"Great book for discussion"by MrsFlutterby (see profile) 03/21/09
We all agreed, the writing was very consistent through all the different characters letters, a bit too much so. We had to take a leap to even believe different people wrote the different letters. The story... (read more)
"Wonderful discussion"by bcarroll (see profile) 03/24/09
Very enjoyable book about one of England's islands, the Isle of Guernsey, which was occupied by the Germans for 5 years during WWII. The characters are lifelike and lovable and make the sad and frustrating... (read more)
"We loved it!"by mraynes (see profile) 03/24/09
We all loved it! Although we weren't able to have a heated discussion about this book, we were able to share our favorite parts and characters, and discuss what we really liked about the book. We all enjoyed... (read more)
"Series of letters depicting life in the Channel Islands during and post WWII."by jwilker (see profile) 04/07/09
Excellent! Loved the method of written letters, a dying art, to illustrate characters in this depiction of life during and after WWII....the agonies endured but yet the humor amidst the hardships of life.... (read more)
"What an endearing, lovely book!"by tnewman123 (see profile) 04/08/09
This book received our highest rating yet. Some of the factors contributing to that included the format, the rich characterization, the subject matter and the feeling the authors gave us that we wished... (read more)
"Lively discussion from this book"by claudiakane (see profile) 04/15/09
This book was very well-liked by every one in our book club. The letter format worked well although there were some questions about how some of the city letters worked being received almost immediately.... (read more)
"a wonderful series of letters that make the writers come alive"by barbaratantanella (see profile) 04/15/09
I generally don't like books written as a series of letters and was reluctant to read this one, however, once I got started, found I could not put the book away. Interesting characters and just enough... (read more)
"Great format for this book!"by janro (see profile) 04/22/09
Not only was the book entertaining and enjoyable, it was also unique in its format which added to the enjoyment. Secondly, the historical side of the book was very informative. Thirdly, I had to go look... (read more)
"Enjoyable, didn't want it to end."by speechy (see profile) 04/23/09
This book made me laugh and cry. So well written that I could hear their voices in each letter. Loved it!
"I laughed out loud"by marykunz (see profile) 05/06/09
The introduction of characters from Guensey Island peaked both my interest and my sense of humor. Our protagonist is creative and open to the world around her. Her adventure is ours. The story develops... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by mlkreshi (see profile) 05/08/09
A well written, fun read that pulled you into the lives and experiences of many colorful/interesting and well-developed characters. Although serious in subject (the life altering effects of the German... (read more)
"I loved reading this book"by BillieGail (see profile) 05/15/09
I hated to see it end...it was like saying good bye to friends, so I can only echo what others are saying - and having now read this, it makes our small book club at our college sweeter for it...allows... (read more)
"letters can tell you a lot"by mistyviolet (see profile) 05/16/09
This charming novel written entirely in letters relates the difficulties endured during WWII on the Channel Islands and in London. You meet interesting and vibrant people who express themselves delightfully.... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by kmleclerc (see profile) 05/17/09
I had not heard of this book until I was at the library looking for an audio book. The title caught my eye because our book club is called THE READ AND FEED TOME-HEAD SOCIETY and it just felt similar... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by twothirty8 (see profile) 05/18/09
This is one of the best books I've read all year. The characters are great, the relationships are unique, and Juliet is hysterically funny. Highly recommended!
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by tammyoldghent (see profile) 05/18/09
An easy Good Read once you get to know all of the characters.
"A truly touching story"by keelylaine (see profile) 05/20/09
A wonderful story set in a tragic period of time that I wasn't very familiar with.
"Delightful!"by julnelms (see profile) 05/26/09
This book is one of the very few books that I've read two times in a row. It's the most delightful story with wonderful characters and such humor, that I was like the main character and ready to get on... (read more)
"Love Guernsey"by Helenesp (see profile) 05/31/09
A must have for book clubs. I never knew anything about Guernsey or its role in WWII. The book is so entertaining I didn't even realize I was getting a history lesson at the same time. I also enjoyed... (read more)
"I didn't want this book to end"by sme005 (see profile) 06/02/09
I loved all the letters! The author really made you feel that you knew and loved the characters.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by fatty2by4 (see profile) 06/02/09
I FOUND IT QUICK READING AND LIGHT. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE PEOPLE IN THE BOOK AND THE LOCATION. I FELT I LEARNED A LITTLE ABOUT THE WAR AND HOW SOME PEOPLE LEARNED TO COPE WITH IT.
"A fast-reading gem of literary style and fascinating history"by kcurry (see profile) 06/02/09
Don't let the title throw you: this book is deeper than its quaint-ladies seeming title and its slim size. The authors' choice of using letters to tell the story is spot-on, and a poignant reminder of... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by krisis (see profile) 06/03/09
Epistles provide a story a fabric for our imagination to weave in the details. I wouldn't want a movie, they couldn't be as lovely as the characters in my mind.
"a book of letters written back and forth after WW2"by dtcfife (see profile) 06/06/09
I really liked this book, it was different, a fun, sad informative read about postwar europe. It has a happy ending which is always nice.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society"by sbible (see profile) 06/15/09
This book was lovely. I found myself rooting for characters and beautiful outcomes. A time when people probably only looked out for themselves, Guersney took care of everyone.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by sesanders (see profile) 06/15/09
The personal letter format is well done, the content captivating, the story entirely charming.
" The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society"by millrep (see profile) 06/15/09
One of the most enjoyable books I have read recently. An interesting presentation of a story (letters) and informative... what a fantastic way to learn of the island people and their war time experiences.... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by AZannie (see profile) 06/15/09
A light fun easy read with a predictable plot line.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by jkwolfe5 (see profile) 06/15/09
This is an excellent read. All group members were sad to finish the book and all are trying to learn more about the Channel Islands and the German occupation. We enjoyed the letter format for conveying... (read more)
"Beyond my expectations - wonderfully written, unique, inspiring"by bbentz (see profile) 06/17/09
When we selected this book for club, I did not think I would enjoy it, but stoically set about finishing it. Within a few chapters it had won me over. Well written, authentic, and honest, it is the story... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by DonnaMMM (see profile) 06/17/09
The novel was multi-layered and as you read the layers peeled back to reveal a delightful, at times sad and uplifting, account of an era passed.
"Characters brought to life through correspondence"by Stowel (see profile) 06/18/09
A clever and effective way of storytelling - the hardy spirit of the Guernsey islanders during the German occupation and just after is told through letters. Great portraits show insight into the resilience... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by cpratt (see profile) 06/20/09
Easy read but not at first. Takes a bit to get used to the letter format and learn the characters but it ended up being a fun way to tell a story.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by red99lucy (see profile) 06/23/09
Fast read and loved the letter style. Learned many new things regarding Guernsey during WWII. Overall, I really did like the book.
"Great Read"by mohlsson (see profile) 07/01/09
I couldn't put the book down and was upset when it ended.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by Susies (see profile) 07/01/09
The book generated a wonderful discussion at our last meeting. While most of us disliked books of letters, this was so beautifully written and easy to follow, we changed our minds about letters. The... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by walkerbeau (see profile) 07/02/09
When I started this book I thought "oh, how sweet", then as I got into it, the book was so much more. It was an endearing story but packs such a wallop you can never forget it. These were hardships of... (read more)
"Not a favorite pick"by lollygil (see profile) 07/02/09
Our club had a hard time getting into this book. A few put it down and did not finish. The premise of telling the story through letters was a great idea, however, the story was slow moving and so typical.... (read more)
"The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Society"by dansarach (see profile) 07/07/09
I love historical novels, especially regarding war and its effects on people, and this one rocks! The book is small but really packs the story in there! A tale of perserverance, loss, and community that... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by louisedroz (see profile) 07/08/09
I loved this book. I knew nothing about the Guernsey islands before reading this. Historical fiction is my favorite way to learn about history and the characters in this book quickly invited me to be... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by Evie (see profile) 07/08/09
The book is written in a series of correspondence between people. The stories told are very intriguing and result in the reader wanting to know more about each character. The author doesn't disappoint... (read more)
"Epistolary Novel covering the occupation of the Channel Islands duringWorld War II"by stargazer (see profile) 07/13/09
A heartwarming tale of the indomitable human spirit.
"The Guernsey Literary andPotato Peel Pie Society"by Bogie0712 (see profile) 07/14/09
I enjoyed reading a story through letters.
"Charming novel told through letters"by dmc1230 (see profile) 07/19/09
I enjoyed this very much. It's a "feel-good" story but not overly sweet or cloying. The characters are realistic and clever, the letters are witty and fun to read. There are references to the horrors... (read more)
"Interesting Content, difficult format"by Ingrid14 (see profile) 07/19/09
The content was good but the book was hard to read in the beginning switching from character to character. The concept of an entire book written in letters was interesting though.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by picovitt (see profile) 07/25/09
This is a fun and easy read. They style of writing is captivating and interesting - a great book for book clubs to discuss.
"We all liked this book"by ssanborn (see profile) 07/25/09
Interesting, clever, funny, sad - a page turner. Great characters and plot. Fascinating and unusual WW2 theme - many wouldn't know places like Guernsey island were occupied by the Nazis. Descriptions make... (read more)
"Finding Juliet"by stepharae (see profile) 07/30/09
I thought this book was well written and kept you interested in what was happening next. What a wonderful thought of creating a reading society to stay connected during the Occupation. Well done.
"the guernsey literary and potato peel pie society"by susanbeamon (see profile) 08/01/09
light-hearted look at a terrible time in human history.
"Adventurous"by JENNYRAE_81 (see profile) 08/02/09
The risk these people took ... The optimisim taken to allow the writer into their homes ...
"The Guerney Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by tbushman (see profile) 08/03/09
It is a wonderful story of the World War II presented in a way that is less horrific than most. We find out many of the horrors of war but for some reason it seems easier to read and deal with than most... (read more)
"Wonderful book"by joleen (see profile) 08/03/09
Everyone in the entire book club enjoyed this book. It was informative because none of us realized the tribulations the people of Guersney had during the war. It was an eye-opener to read and be a part... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by indigopaws (see profile) 08/05/09
The characters come alive through letters! I enjoyed the format. Literature touched the lives of ordinary people during extraordinary times.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by clounel (see profile) 08/11/09
A great read - interesting set up - letters back and forth. Very positive remarks from all who read the book - we all enjoyed it very much.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by Snarky (see profile) 08/14/09
This is a fun book and a quick read. Our club had an interesting discussion about the way they chose to discuss their books, along with the mysterious absence of one of the characters.
"Took a while to get into..."by nsr1218 (see profile) 08/15/09
Enjoyed this book but sure took awhile to get into. Somewhat predictable but enjoyed it once it started moving.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by herblady (see profile) 08/15/09
I never gave Guernsey any thought before but after reading this, I wanted to go there! The characters are so genuine and welcoming that it inspired me to read more about the island.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by gaile13 (see profile) 08/16/09
I have just finished this book, and I find it one of the most entertaining books I have read. The web of characters is incredibly done--each one carefully drawn, and the details enclosed in each letter... (read more)
"One of top 5 faves"by cguard (see profile) 08/17/09
The unique way this book is written makes it a fun book to read. Not your same-old, same-old type of book. I fell in love with each of the characters.
"Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by hauckmah (see profile) 08/28/09
Our group loved the characters in Guernsey and didn't want the book to end.A great book about the life-changing possibilities of books and a community sharing their love of reading.
"Feel Good Book!"by mrsfliege (see profile) 09/01/09
Our book club really enjoyed this book! It was easy to read and once you got started you didn't want to stop. It was a lovely feel good book that really helped break up the dramatic novels we had been... (read more)
"I want to visit Guernsey"by lrgarci (see profile) 09/01/09
In addition to enjoying the story, I learned so much about WWII history. I have an acquaintance that actually lives on Guernsey and there are so many questions that I have for her. Reading this book... (read more)
"We want to all go to Guernsey"by Ruth (see profile) 09/02/09
We knew very little about Guernsey and this period in history. We loved the characters and the landscape.
"Don't let the title fool you"by jmsblest (see profile) 09/02/09
One might think that this is a silly book. It is anything but. First, only an excellent writer can tell an interesting story through just postal letters. Not only is this a good story with very good... (read more)
"The Guersney Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by aperrigo (see profile) 09/02/09
This was a fine book to read--several of us enjoyed it quite a lot. Others were put off by the format, since it was written as letters. There just wasn't a lot to discuss--oh, wasn't it awful what they... (read more)
"such a great read"by annick (see profile) 09/08/09
its fun I fell in love with the characters!!!!!!
"The Guernsey and Potato Peel Pie Society"by 090537 (see profile) 09/08/09
It was a deightful book. Loved the characters. And I never knew about Guernsey or its involvement in the war. Our book club, except for l member, enjoyed it tremendously.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by LFL676 (see profile) 09/10/09
When you think that you have read everything there is about an era, it is nice to find a book about yet another aspect of the war.
"Letter Writing is Art"by marymarthainaz (see profile) 09/13/09
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It reminded me that we are so in danger of losing, if we haven't already, the art of letter writing. I admit that I was a little confused at first coming to know the characters... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society"by weisswitch (see profile) 09/15/09
A delightful read full of subdued romance and great insights as to how everyday people functioned under Nazi occupation during WWII.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by lindabeh55 (see profile) 09/16/09
I loved this book. It was written in letters which is a style I had never read before and was truthfully a little skeptical of, but it was wonderful. How the characters were developed and the ingenuity... (read more)
"Fascinating"by kbswims (see profile) 09/17/09
This was a fascinating look at a new subject for me, something in the history of WW2 that I had not known about.
"A fun read in an interesting format"by egibson129 (see profile) 09/18/09
I wasn't sure how I would feel about a book written entirely in letters, but I ended up liking it a lot. Letter-writing really is a lost art. The book touched on some very serious topics related to World... (read more)
"Interesting book."by webblett (see profile) 09/21/09
Though I grew up in England, I had no idea of the Guernsey situation during the war. It was interesting reading a book as a series of letters. At first I had to keep flipping back to remember the writers... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by sydney2000 (see profile) 09/22/09
This book captures the heart of the reader. Although it is written in letter format - it works. It is a little slow to begin with and there are many different characters, but keep on reading and you will... (read more)
"Love this book!"by cottagegirls (see profile) 09/22/09
This book got two thumbs up from our book club. Even though the suffering through the war is still unimaginable, the book inspires through the great character development & relationships.
"TGLPPPS is wonderful"by tneher123 (see profile) 09/25/09
This is one of my all time favorites, and I have missed the characters since I finished reading the book.
"Awesome read"by stmartingirl (see profile) 10/01/09
Did not think I would like the book because of format. But actually loved it. Enjoyed having different characters tell their own story.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by Clifford (see profile) 10/01/09
This fictional account depicting life on the Island of Guernsey during Nazi occupation is insightful and touching. Written as a series of correspondence between story characters it is an easy ready that... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by kdr4xmom (see profile) 10/02/09
I loved this book. The letter format was a little offputting at first. But soon into the book I looked forward to the different characters letters. Each one had a distinctive voice. My book club all... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society"by mhiemer (see profile) 10/10/09
Our group really enjoyed this book. We had a good discussion. We all were amazed how reading letters told a wonderful story. To some it was like the joy of received a note from someone in the mail.... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by lesliedinga (see profile) 10/14/09
Lovely and engaging. Very insightful as to what went on during the occupation. Opened up a whole new world for me....the Channel Islands. It's on my list of places to see...
"A Popular Pick"by Respectable (see profile) 10/15/09
Members of our club loved this book. They found it cleverly written and historically interesting. Some of us felt the characters were a bit two-dimensional, but everyone enjoyed the unfolding of the... (read more)
"A primer on character development."by corron (see profile) 10/22/09
The story of the occupation of Guernsey is fascinating and how lucky was I to have the quirky inhabitants of that island to tell it to me through their letters. In only 278 pages the author painted them... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by juspdebdan (see profile) 10/28/09
Just a brief review. We found it informative and insightful for none of us knew of the occupation or the existence of these islands. It did take a while to get all the characters straight though. And,... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by judybird (see profile) 10/28/09
This book has an extremely interesting viewpoint written by people who experienced occupation by the Nazi's during the 2nd World War.
"A joyous vacation..."by lindseyburken (see profile) 10/30/09
I enjoyed the book very much...i felt like i had gone on vacation and met some lovely new friends.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; October 2009"by jpr1506 (see profile) 10/30/09
Interesting writing style, all in correspondence. A little annoying at first until I got into the book further. I learned alot about the era. A good read.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Facilitator of Book Club"by barbra (see profile) 11/02/09
Loved the book. It is on our list for the coming year. We will be reading it for discussion in February, 2010
"Witty Historical novel about life before and after WW2"by doodlebugsmom (see profile) 11/03/09
Once you get over the fact that the book is written viz letters back and forth this book really captures the time and age of 1940s.
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by vanasse (see profile) 11/06/09
I loved the book, it was very well written. The story was wonderful and I couldn't put it down. However I was the only member of our bookclub that loved it. Some liked it others hated it and couldn't finish... (read more)
"I never knew that...."by maril (see profile) 11/08/09
I never knew that the Nazis had occupied any British soil. I never knew there was an island named Guernsey and I never knew that Gr Britian had islands in the English Channel with close ties to France.... (read more)
"Letters Not Easy, but worth it"by mmckeon23 (see profile) 11/09/09
We just finished "The Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society". Most of us found the book to be a little difficult to read in the letter style that it is written. However, we all loved the story... (read more)
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"by dnelson443 (see profile) 11/11/09
Awesome book, I found it hard to put down.
"great, but not AMAZING"by dani10019 (see profile) 11/17/09
I really enjoyed reading this book... mostly because it was written in letter-style. At first I had to get used to reading letter after letter but I liked the different points of view it expressed. A nice... (read more)
"Guernsey Literary"by cyin2020 (see profile) 11/19/09
Unusually written as a series of letters. Well-written, amusing characters.
